Lenk im Simmental

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Lenk im Simmental
Country	Switzerland
Canton	Berne
District	Obersimmental
Coordinates	46°27′N, 7°26′E
Population	2,398 (2006)
- Density	19 /km² (50 /sq.mi.)
Area	123.1 km² (47.5 sq mi)
Elevation	1,068 m (3,504 ft)
Postal code	3775
SFOS number	0792
Surrounded by	Adelboden, Ayent (VS), Icogne (VS), Lauenen, Leukerbad (VS), Mollens (VS), Randogne (VS), Saanen, Sankt Stephan
Website	www.lenkgemeinde.ch
Lenk im Simmental

"Lenk" redirects here. For the businessman, see Toby Lenk. For the diplomat, see Arthur Lenk.

Lenk im Simmental (or simply Lenk) is a municipality in the district of Obersimmental in the canton of Bern in Switzerland.

It lies in the Simmental valley of the Bernese Oberland. Lenk lies 80 km from Bern and 100 km from Montreux.

The Iffigbach, a high waterfall in the municipality

Lenk is the highest municipality in Simmental. The municipal area includes many mountains, the highest of which is the Wildstrubel. Somewhat below the Wildstrubel, by the Siebenbrunnen ("seven fountains") comes the Simme River, which gives Simmental ("Simme Valley") its name. A number of creeks flow into the Simme, and the Iffig Creek and the Iffigfall, its waterfall are attractions for hikers.

The municipality is dependent on tourism, especially for winter sports. Lenk has accommodations for about 5000 guests, include 800 hotel beds. This is in a town of scarcely 2000. It is home to a ski resort, which operates on both sides of the valley in which it is located. Lenk is connected by rail to the town of Zweisimmen.

The municipality split from the neighboring St. Stephan in 1504-1505. In 1522 it achieved its sovereignty in the canton of Bern. In 1529 it experienced the Reformation, and had to protect itself against the Catholic Valais. In 1878 it suffered a devastating fire.